Sin is the transgression of a moral code designated by either society or the transgressor. The Puritans of Boston in the novel, The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, establish a rigid moral code by which to purge their society of deviants. As this society is inherently theocratic, the beliefs and restrictions established by religion are not only incorporated into law but constitute all law. In this manner, the moral code of the Puritan society thoroughly …showed first 75 words of 801 total…

…showed last 75 words of 801 total…resulting from this very same act impels Dimmesdale to act in an extreme manner: inflicting painful punishment on himself and publicly proclaiming and denouncing his actions. Chillingworth's physical and moral deterioration are the consequences of his own sin--his obsession with vengeance. Thus, sin is a common affliction prevalent among the characters in this novel--and furthermore, among all mankind. It is the manner in which sin affects a person that provides insight into the person's soul.